Mechanical support system

ABSTRACT

A NON-LIQUID MECHANICAL SUPPORT SYSTEM HAVING A DISPLACEABLE SUPPORT SURFACE, COMPRISING DISPLACEABLE SUPPORT MEANS, TO SIMULATE A LIQUID SUPPORT SYSTEM (SUCH AS A WATER CONTAINER AND TO HAVE SIMILAR PROPERTIES OF LOAD ISPLACEMENT FEATURING A TREE-LIKE ARRANGEMENT OF BRANCHED LEVERS FORMING A PLURALITY OF DISLACEABLE LOAD SUPPORT POINTS.   D R A W I N G

0 United States Paieni I 1 1 3,790,150

Lippert V 1 Feb. 5, 1974 [54] MECHANICAL SUPPORT SYSTEM 3,332,719 7/1967Flint 267/103 Donald nest 3,529,866 9/1970 Getz 297/452 Maine FOREIGNPATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Assignee: De -es Development Corporation, FranceGreenwich, Conn. [22] Filed: Sept. 25, 1970 Primary Examiner-James B.Marbert Attorney-Edward Halle [21] Appl. No.: 75,373 [30] ForeignApplicziiion Priority Data 57] ABSTRACT Oct. 4, 1969 Great Britain..48860/69 52 U.S. Cl. 267/151, 267/80J5/351, A non-liquid mechanicalSupport System having a 297/451 placeable support surface, comprisingdisplaceable 51 Int. Cl. A47c 25/02 Support means, Simulate a liquidSupport System [581 Field of Search 267/102, 103, 80, (Such as a Watercontainer) and have Similar P ties of 1oad displacement featuring atree-like arrangement of branched levers forming a plurality ofdisplaceable 1oad support points.

58 Claims, 25 Drawing Figures PATENTEB FEB 5 4 SHEEI 1 6F 7 v PATENTEDFEB 51974 SHEET 8 OF 7 MECHANICAL SUPPORT SYSTEM This invention relatesto a mechanical support system which will provide low pressures on bodyprominences comparable to those realized in fluid flotation systemswherein a body is floated on a fluid such as water. The inventionprovides such a system in which the flotation pressures for the body areprovided by mechanical means rather than by fluid means.

While the apparent advantages of such a mechanical system as set forthin the invention have been devised for beds, the principles of thesystem may be applied without limitation to any situation where it isdesired to exert balanced or proportioned pressures against a body bythe system or to balance or proportion a force from a body against thesystem. Thus, the system of the invention can be used not only in beds,but on any weight load supporting area or load counter-pressure area.The system may be used in shoes, automobile tires, platforms of varioustypes, chairs and couches, and in other constructions generally.

In order to illustrate a preferred mode of the use of the invention, anembodiment of the invention in the form of a mattress for a bed will bedescribed, it being understood, however, that the construction andpractice of the invention is not limited to beds but may be general asset forth hereinabove.

The mattress to be described herein is of a special type for a hospitalbed to be used for bedridden patients who would ordinarily becomeoversensitive to pressures against their skin and bodies from prolongedbed confinement. Existing hospital mattresses that have been effectivefor such patients, and especially in preventing or curing decubitusulcers, involve the use of a fluid which must be confined, sealed,filled, drained, pumped, warmed and kept sterile. The necessaryequipment and labor to set up and take down such beds adds considerablecost to the initial investment for such an expensive system.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a non-liquidsuspension system to simulate the low pressures of a fluid displacementsuspension while eliminating the need for liquids or fluids.

It is a further object of this invention to providea mechanicalflotation system which is self contained within its frame or bodyportion, and requires no support equipment (other than the bedstead onwhich it is placed) requiring set-up time or the application ofelectrical or heat energy.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such a mechanicalflotation. system with the quality of desired stiffness and viscosity,and it is also an object of this invention to provide such a systemwhich may have a supporting surface or covering provided to support theweight of a body in a manner comparable to the flexible cover or surfaceof a true fluid suspension system.

I achieve the objects and advantages of the invention with the systemillustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of-the invention with parts cut away and aportion in enlarged exploded perspective;

FIG. 2 is a top plan diagrammatic view of the invention with the lowerportion of the view cut away;

FIG. 3 is a top plan diagrammatic enlarged detail of the upper left handportion of FIG. 2 of the drawings;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view along the lines 4-4 in FIG. 1 with parts cutaway, showing a load (not shown in FIG. 1) imposed on the invention;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation, greatly enlarged, of the portion of theinvention represented in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an end elevation, greatly enlarged, of the portion of theinvention represented in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a perspective detail of the invention, greatly enlarged, withpart in section;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a cover of the invention with parts cutaway;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view along the lines 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view along the lines 10-10 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view, somewhat enlarged, similar to FIG. 9showing another form of cover for the invention;

FIG. 12 is another sectional view similar to FIG. 11 showing anotherform of covering arrangement for the invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view, greatly enlarged, of a form ofdisplaceable load support means of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view, greatly enlarged, of another form ofdisplaceable load support means of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view, greatly enlarged, of another form ofdisplaceable load support means of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another form of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another form of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view, greatly enlarged, of a detail of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view, greatly enlarged, of a detail of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a side elevation, diagram form, of another form of theinvention;

FIG. 21 is a side elevation, partly in section, with parts cut away, ofthe form of invention shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective detail of the form of invention shownin FIG. 211;

FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view of another form of the invention;

FIG. 24 is an elevation, partly in section, of another form of theinvention; and

FIG. 25 is an elevation, partly in section, of another form of theinvention.

, Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

My mechanical support system 20 comprises a main,

frame in the form of a tree-like structure 22 having a base or trunkmeans 24 and a plurality of displaceable load support means 26. Thedisplaceable load support means 26 are carried by branches in the mainframe 22 which form levers. In a preferred form of the invention, thereare branchings forming branched levers designated by reference letters Athrough K inclusive. The branched levers A through K on each respectivelevel are substantially identical except for relative facing withrespect to the trunk 24. This will be apparent from a study of thedrawings and the description to follow. Thus, unless otherwise stated,reference to a branched lever and its components on any level will applyequally to any branched lever on the same level. The lowermost branchedlever K comprises two branches 28 and 30. These branches have commoninner ends at reference numeral 32. They also have divergent outer endsat reference numerals 34 and 36. The branches 28 and 30 are arranged inbranched lever K to form a fulcrum area at the common inner ends 32. Thecommon inner ends 32 are provided with a torsion bushing shaft 38 whichis rigidly fixed by welding, bonding or other means. Shaft 38 cooperateswith torsion bushing means 40 to connect branched lever K to the trunk24 at the common inner end fulcrum area 32.

The torsion bushing means 40 is best illustrated in FIG. 7 of thedrawings, and it is to be understood that throughout the drawingsreference numeral 40 represents a torsion bushing connection means suchas the connection between trunk 24 and branched lever K, or at theconnection between levers K and J, between levers J and I, betweenlevers I and H, between levers H and G, and between lever G and bracket90 connecting to branched lever F. Thus, wherever placed in thedrawings, the reference numeral 40 indicates that within the trunk orbranch portion referred to, there is a similar bushing such as torsionbushing 40.

Referring now to FIG. 7 of the drawings, there can be seen a torsionshaft 38 connected to branch G and a torsion bushing 40 in an end ofbranch H. There is a bearing 42 to accomodate the journal-like end 44 ofshaft 38 and a bushing 46 bonded to the branch inner wall 48 and alsobonded to the surface of torsion shaft 38. The material of bushing 46may be of a high ratio strength to modulus such as urethane or amaterial with similar properties. Thus, the bushing 46 which isbonded'to an inner surface of either the trunk 24 or of any of thebranches in which it may be installed, as well as to its correspondingbushing shaft 38, will provide yieldable resistance to the rotation ofshaft 38 to build up torque when a load is placed on either or both ofends 34 and 36. This provides a springiness to the branched levers, theimportance of which will become apparent.

Thus, starting with trunk 24, a connection is made by means of a shaft38 and bushing 40 to the fulcrum area 32 of branched lever K. Branchedlever K is in turn connected at ends 34 and 36 respectively to fulcrumareas 49 of branched levers J, each of which has a branch 50 and abranch 52. Branched levers J are in turn connected at ends 54 and 56respectively to fulcrum areas 58 of branched levers I, each of which hasa branch 60 and a branch 62. Branched levers I are in turn connected atends 64 and 66 respectively to fulcrum areas 68 of branched levers H,each of which has a branch 70 and a branch 72. Branched levers H are inturn connected at ends 74 and 76 respectively to fulcrum areas 78 ofbranched levers G, each of which has a branch 80 and a branch 82.Branched levers G are in turn connected at ends 84 and 88 respectivelyto brackets 90 positioned at fulcrum areas 92 of branched levers F, eachof which has a branch 94 and a branch 96. Each of the connections of theends of branched levers G through K as described hereinabove to thefulcrum area of the next succeeding branch is by means of a torsionshaft 38 cooperating with a torsion bushing 40 as indicated in FIGS. 2and 7 of the drawings.

Branched levers A to F have a somewhat different construction. Branchedlevers F are in turn connected at ends 98 and 100 respectively tofulcrum areas 102 of branched levers E, each of which has a branch 104and a branch 106. Branched levers E are in turn connected at ends 108and 110 respectively to fulcrum areas 112 of branched levers D, each ofwhich has a branch 114 and a branch 116. Branched levers D are in turnconnected at ends 118 and 120 respectively to fulcrum areas 122 ofbranched levers C, each of which has a branch 124 and a branch 126.Branched levers C are in turn connected at ends 128 and 130 respectivelyto fulcrum areas 132 of branched levers B, each of which has a branch134 and a branch 136. Branched levers B are in turn connected at ends138 and 140 respectively to fulcrum areas 142 of branched levers A, eachof which has a branch 144 and a branch 146. The outermost ends 148 and150 of branched levers A support the displaceable load support means 26which have outer tips 152 on which or through which the load such as abody 25 is to be supported. The load, instead of being a body such asbody 25, could also be termed an area such as a surface 200 whichsupports a device incorporating the invention such as a tire, or wheel,202, or a body such as an object, reference numeral 204, which issupported within a frame or container 206 made in accordance with theinvention.

The lower branch lever means G through J inclusive and the lowermostbranch K, as well as the trunk 24, are made of metal such as steel oraluminum, preferably with a dip coating of plastisol or similar typecoating, and the upper construction comprising branches A through Finclusive are made of a relatively more springy material such asurethane. The aluminum as well as the urethane have the qualities ofspringiness. The aluminum, of course, has a markedly lower degree ofdisplaceable springiness than the urethane; however, this is enhanced bythe bushings 40. Nevertheless, the lower branches G to K will be stifferthan the upper branches A to F. Thus, a branch system is provided inwhich the upper branches have relatively greater springiness than thelower branches. This is desirable because the lower branches support agreater load area and should act as a stiff or firm foundation for theupper branches, and the upper branches have a relatively greatdisplaceability, especially at the outer ends where the displaceableload support means 26 are attached.

Instead of using steel for the lower branched levers, I may use areinforced glass fiber such as polypropylene or other relatively stiffmaterial, and of course, instead of using urethane for the upperconstruction, one may use any other springy material, whether metal,plastic or in other form.

Reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 of the drawings will show dotted lines 156and 156a which are representative of the imaginary contours or contourlines joining the tips 152 of the displaceable load support means 26.Tips 152 and their contours 156 lie within a plane when the mattress 20is in unstressed or normal condition. Any pressure or load placed on anyone or more of the tips 152 will, because of the springiness of theconstruction, cause such tips 152 to be displaced with relation to thenormal contours 156.

It will be noted by referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings that thebranched levers are arranged in what may be called a geometricallyunbalanced system. In other words, some of the lever arms are longerthan their opposite numbers. For example, in branched lever E, it willbe noted that branch 106 is longer than branch 104. In the preferredembodiment of the invention illustrated, the system is purposely madegeometrically unbalanced because if the branched levers'are joined tothe next lower branched levers at their exact center forming branches ofequal length on each side of a fulcrum area, a variation of an estimatedplus or minus 14 percent in stiffness will result if a single point loadis applied to any one of the various tips 152 of the displaceable loadsupport means 26.

This variation results from unequal mechanical advantage effects whenloads are placed on different ends of a lever because as the systemprogresses downwardly, the relationship of a lever to the third leverbelow it, insofar as its ends are concerned, will show that one end ismuch closer than the other end. For example, if we select lever B, itsend 140 is closer to lever E than its end 138 resulting in a differentmechanical advantage with respect to the mentioned levers when a singleload is placed on either end of branched lever B. Because the forcedeflection rate at any one displaceable load support means 26 is thesummation of the force deflection rate of every supporting branchedlever below it in the tree, I have determined that an estimated leverratio of approximately 56.5 to 43.5 percent gives an essentially uniformforce deflection rate throughout the system while at the same timerendering the system geometrically unbalanced. I may refer to thisarrangement as a geometrically unbalanced system.

Each lever A to K is also a torsional pivot. The torque it will feelvaries with the position of the applied load. The force deflection foreach branched lever in the system will vary depending on where the loadis applied. By unbalancing each branched lever in the appropriatedirection as aforesaid, it is possible to compensate for thesevariations so that the aggregate force deflection properties of all thelevers will be substantially uniform everywhere and anywhere in thesystem.

In the embodiment of the device as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 of thedrawings, 1 show the desirable unbalanced condition of the device. Theupper branched levers A through F, which may be referred to as a firstlever-type arrangement, are comprised of levers which operateprincipally through the springiness of the material of theircomposition. They are made of a material such as urethane which has ahigh strength to modulus ratio which makes it possible to achieve theforce deflection designed for a device such as the mattress illustratedwithout the material of the branches being overstressed. This suppliesthe desired springy type of material which is strong enough so that itsbranches can hold up the next succeeding branch and the load for whichthe device is designed and yet have the necessary springiness so thatthe material itself is twistable to provide the torsional deflectionnecessary at the branch ends at the fulcrum areas for the levers in thesystem to operate. 1 1

Urethane has been selected as a preferred example because it is amaterial which has these qualities. However, any othermaterial havingsimilar qualities may be employed for the types of levers thusdescribed.

I could continue with the same type of material for the lower branchedlevers G through 1 and even for the lowest levers K. However, because ofmold size and the resulting great length of these levers when comparedto the lengths of the upper levers, I found it more desirable to providefor a different type of springy arrangement in the lower branches Gthrough K, which may be referred to as a second lever-type arrangement.In addition to the size factor, the cost factor is also important sincethe amount of urethane that would be necessary for such lower brancheswould be much more expensive than the construction made of tubing andtorsional bushings described above.

The tube branches G to K have the quality of springiness necessary forincorporation into the unbalanced system. The geometrical unbalance isprovided in each of the tubed branched levers, where necessary, bymaking one of the branches longer than the other. In the preferred formof the invention, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the unbalance of the systemas described above is provided by making the upper branches A through Fof a particular length and cross section, and the lower branches G to Kof a particular length in accordance with the following tables.

In the following tables, all of the measurements are given with the inchas the unit of measurement. In

' Table I, the upper branched levers A to F are shown,

being made of a material such as polyurethane or the equivalent, withbranch ends being connected to the next succeeding fulcrum areadirectly. Table II shows the branched levers in the lower portion of theinvention, G through K, which may be made of steel or aluminum, andwhich are connected toeach other by means of torsion bushings 40 andbushing shafts 38.

TABLE I First Lever-Type Arrangement In Table II, the measurements willshow the length of the branches for each lever and the measurements ofthe torsion bushing 40 located in the branch end of the particularbranch concerned.

TABLE II Second Lever-Type Arrangement torsion bushing dimensions insideoutside lever branch length diameter diameter length G 4.140 .312 .526.25 G 82 5.360 .312 .526 .25 1-1 70 4.140 .625 1.044 .25 H 72 5.360 .6251.044 .25 l 60 8.26 .625 1.044 .50 l 62 10.73 .625 1.044 .50 J 50 10.121.25 2.41 .50 J 52 10.12 1.25 2.41 .50 K 28 19.00 1.25 2.41 1.00 K 3019.00 1.25 2.41 1.00 Bushing 40 for trunk 24 1.25 2.41 2.00

It will be noted that the branches 50, 52, 28 and 30 of branched levers.l and K respectively are of equal length so asto divide the bedsymmetrically. Reference is now made to FIG. 2 which is divided intoeight areas by means of the dotted lines. These have been designated asareas 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, and 172. It will be noted that thetwo halves of the bed defined by areas 158 through 164 respectively andareas 166 through 172 respectively are thus symmetrical and in mirrorrelationship to each other. Also, the quarters of the bed designated byareas 158, 162 and 160, 164 as well as their counterparts 166, 170 and168, 172 are also symmetrical and in mirror relationship to each other.

As the portions formed by groupings of branched levers and branchesbecome more remote from the trunk 24, the geometrical unbalance abovereferred to becomes apparent. The relationship of short to long branchesin each branched lever is in accordance with the tables given above, andinspection of FIGS. 2 and 3 will show that the total balance of thesystem is maintained in this fashion so that a grouping of all of thelevers completely within a given area will be in mirror relationship toadjacent groupings (with the exception of the positions of the fulcrumareas in some instances in order to maintain the desired geometricalunbalance).

It will now be appreciated that the invention requires a springy frameor body portion 22 and optimum results are obtained when the frame 22comprises branched levers in unbalanced condition.

The term displaceable load support means as used to define element 26 isused to mean a displaceable element in the construction which will bedisplaced when a load such as load 25 (representing a body) is placedupon it, for example, in the use of a mattress 20. The term alsoincludes the definition of displaceability when a device incorporatingthe invention is itself placed or pressed against a mass outside of theouter contours of the invention which would cause displacement.

For example, the invention could be incorporated into a wheel, as willbe described hereinbelow, in which the load to be supported actuallypresses the wheel against a surface, and the displaceable load supportmeans are displaced with relation to the surface over which the wheelrides rather than with relation to the load supported by the wheel. Itis to be understood that the term load" as used herein and in the claimsappended hereto refers to any force which causes displacement of adisplaceable load support means of the invention.

In the preferred embodiment, the mattress 20, the amount of displacementof the displaceable load support means 26 is relatively great, and it isdesirable to limit this displacement when placing or removing a patienton or from such a mattress in order to avoid a fall and injury. I have,therefore, provided stop means to inhibit the displacement. Theseinhibition means 180 are comprised in a movable sub-frame means 182. Thesub-frame means 182 has a central opening 184 adapted to fit around thetrunk 24 and the lowermost branches K. These branches are relativelystiff and do not require inhibition. The sub-frame 182 is provided withoperating means 186 so that the sub-frame 182 may be selectivelypositioned upwardly and downwardly. When the sub-frame 182 is in anupward position, it presses against the branch levers of the device andinhibits the resiliency due to their springiness. The inhibiting featureis removed when the sub-frame 182 is lowered away from physical contactwith the branched levers.

It is desirable to provide a framework 188 comprising a floor 190, sides192 and end braces 194 as a base frame for the tree system 20. This isillustrated in FIG.

4 of the preferred embodiment of the invention. However, any supportingframe suitable to support the tree system may be employed. The treesystem 20 may be placed directly on a floor or other support. However,in the preferred embodiment, it is made as shown in FIG. 1.

The operating means 186 for the sub-frame 182 is shown as a rod andpulley system connected to four spool means 189 attached to cables 191which in turn are attached to the sub-frame 182 in order to lift andlower the sub-frame by means of crank handle 193.

It is desirable to have a cushioning layer such as a layer of foam 195over the sub-frame 182. This provides a better dampening effect and alsoprotects the branched levers from injury when inhibited.

The preferred form of the invention is finished with covering means forthe displaceable load support means 26. The covering means 196 comprisesa layer 198 of thin material, preferably sheet urethane 0.002 inchthick. The sheet 198 is fastened to the tips 152 of the displaceableload support means 26 at junction points 208. The pitch or distancebetween junction points 208 on the sheet is larger than the pitch ordistance between tips 152. As a result, the cross sectional area of thematerial of sheet 198 between three or more tips 152 is greater than thecross sectional area between such tips. This makes provision for anexcess of sheet material so that the sheet 198 will not lie taut or flaton the tips 152. In the specific example shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 ofthe drawings, any selected area between four tips 152 will have acentral portion 212 in the form of a curve or bight. Thus, provision ismade for the material of the sheet 198 to move with the tips 152 as theyare being displaced in the operation of the invention and leavesufficient play in the material so that the tips 152 can move withoutundue stretch resistance from the material.

Interstice means 214 in the form of cutouts are provided within theareas of sheet 198 between attached tips 152. This permits greaterdisplacement of the tips 152 without inhibition from the sheet 198. Inthe preferred form, the interstices 214 are arranged to provide lines ofmaterial running directly from tip 152 to tip 152. These lines compriselines 216 which run along the pitch lines between the tips 152 and forma grid as well as lines 218 which run diagonally between tips 152 andjunction points 208.

The purpose of the covering means 196 is to distribute the supportingforce of the tips 152 uniformly over the maximum possible area.

In another form of the invention, the sheet 198 may be replaced with aseries of lines of material formed as lines 216 and 218, or it might bereplaced with a very stretchy sheet.

Sheet 198 is flexibly connected at its edges 220 to the frame members192.

The covering means 196 may also comprise an oversheet 222 which ispreferably made of a fine pore size polyurethane foam about one-quarterinch thick. The oversheet 222 fits right over the sheet 198 and also maybe made of thread which is elastic and springy and serves as a removablecover for the entire mattress 20. Oversheet 222 may also be flexiblyfastened, at sides 224, if desired, to frame members 192.

It is desirable to provide for oversheet 222, and in some instancessheet 198, to be removable for laundering. Oversheet 222 is merelyremoved by unfastening the sides 224 and removing the sheet. Where sheet198 needs to be removed, it is fastened to tips 152 by means of anysuitable fastening device such as male and female snap fastenersillustrated in FIG. 10 at reference numeral 226. Thus, to remove thesheet 190, the sides 220 are unfastened and the snap fasteners 226 areunfastened and the sheet may be removed. In the preferred application,this would be a time consuming job. It may be easier to bond the sheet198 to the tips 152 at junction points 208 and then remove the wholetree assembly for cleaning when necessary, or clean it in position.

In another form of the invention as illustrated in FIG. 12, I mayprovide a plurality of blocks 220 made of a springy material such asone-half inch thickness of fine pore polyurethane foam. The blocks 226would be placed over an area between tips 152. The blocks would befastened to sheet 198 by means of any suitable adhesive and a coversheet 230 would be provided as a top sheet for the arrangement as shownin FIG. 12. The cover sheet 230 would preferably be of woven urethane.

In another form of the invention as illustrated in FIG. 13, I mayprovide circular flanges 232, or as illustrated in FIG. lmrectangular orsquare flanges 234 on the tips 152. These flanges would in turn becovered by a sheet such as sheet 222 which would be removable forlaundering. The sheet 222 could be of fine pore polyurethane as definedabove, or could be substituted by other sheets made of any othersuitable material; for example, any material such as a woven material,plastic material or any sheet material which is easily removable andlaunderable and cleanable.

In another form of the invention as illustrated in FIG. 15, the tips 152may be provided with springy blocks such as blocks 236. The springyblocks 236 would then be covered either with one or'more covers such ascover 222 or a thin covering such as cover 230 or a combination of twoor more of such covers.

In FIG. 16 there is a representation of a plurality of branched systems240 made in accordance with the invention, each mounted by means of aseparate trunk such as trunks 242, 244- and 246 on an articulatedplatform 248. The platform 240 is preferably hinged at 250 and 252 sothat its portions may be moved relative to each other in a mannersimilar to the frame for the usual hospital bed mattress. For example,platform portion 254 would normally be beneath the trunk and shouldersof the patient. 256 would be beneath his legs between the hip and theknee, and 258 would be beheath the pateints lower legs. The usual means(not shown) to adjust the various portions of the platform 248 would beprovided in any manner known to the art. It is to be understood that thebranched systems 240 as shown in FIG. 16 are incomplete, showing onlythe lowermost branches and the trunks 242, 244 and 246 of each section.The balance of the construction would be similar to that describedhereinabove, ending in a plurality of displaceable load support meanswhich would all be in a common plane when the platform portions 254, 256and 258 were positioned in a flat plane.

In FIGS. 17, 18 and 19 of the drawings, there is shown another form ofthe invention in which branched systems 260 and 262 are used to form theback and seat of a chair having a frame 264 and legs 266. Thedisplaceable load support means 268 in this form of the invention wouldbe located as indicated in FIGS. 18 an 19 of the drawings. The surfaceof the chair could be finished with plates 270 which could be providedwith foam pads 272 and an upholstery covering 274 having folds ofmaterial 276 between plates 270 which would serve the same purpose asthe curve or bight 212 described hereinabove for the form of inventionshown in FIG. 0. The supporting surface might also take any of the formspreviouslydescribed.

In FIGS. 20, 21 and 22 of the drawings, another form of the invention inthe form of a wheel is shown which is adapted to ride over a surfacesuch as the stairway surface 200 shown in FIG. 21. The wheel 202 may, ofcourse, ride over a flat surface or a surface of any configuration aswell as the stairway surface 200 as illustrated. Such a wheel 200comprises a hub-like branched trunk 292 having axis means at referencepoint 29 about which a branched system 296 is developed in accordancewith the invention. The system 296 has displaceable load support means298 forming a circle contour on the outermost branched levers 300. Thedisplaceable load support means 296 displace with relation to thesurface 200 over which the wheel 202 is run. Plates 304 may be added tothe ends of the displaceable load support means 290 for betterdistribution of load.

Another form of the invention is shown in FIG. 23 of the drawings inwhich a series of displaceable load support means 306 in a branchedsystem of the invention is incorporated in a shoe 307 supporting a foot308.

In FIG. 24 of the drawings, another form of the invention is shownwherein an object 204 is packaged in a frame or container 206 by meansof branched systems 309. In this form of invention, the displaceableload support means are shown at reference numeral 310. In FIG. 25, acontainer 312 is shown in which the displaceable load support means 314bear against the container rather than against the object 316.

It will be understood from the foregoing that there are connected groupsof levers terminating in displaceable load support means. In someinstances, the ends of levers are actually molded to fulcrum areas ofother levers to form support means. In some instances, the ends oflevers are actually molded to fulcrum areas of other levers to formsupport means. Such a joint can be seen at reference numeral 320 in FIG.5 and at reference numeral 322 in FIG. 6. In the preferred form of theinvention, all of the joints thus shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 would bemolded.

Reference is made to the term springy throughout the specification. Thisis understood to cover the molded construction as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6as well as the type of construction comprising torsion bushings asillustrated in FIG. 7 of the drawings.

While I have described my invention in its preferred forms, there areother forms which it may take without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention, and I therefore desire to be protected for allforms coming within the claims hereinbelow.

Wherefore I claim:

1. A mechanical support system comprising a main frame including atleast one trunlt means, at least one branch system branching out fromsaid trunk means and forming a plurality of displaceable load supportmeans, said branch system comprising branched levers comprising brancheshaving divergent outer endsand common inner ends, with at least onebranched lever positioned with its common inner, branch ends injuxtaposition to the outer end of another branch in the system, with atleast one pair of common inner branch ends of a branched lever formingfulcrum area means, in which at least one of the branches comprisesspringy material and at least one of the divergent outer ends includestorsion means to permit rotation of fulcrum area means at juxtaposedbranch common inner ends, and at least one branched lever comprisesdisplaceable load support means and its divergent outer ends, wherebydisplacement of at least one of said displaceable load support means ina first direction will apply a force to at least one other leverconnected, displaceable load support means in an opposite direction.

2. A mechanical support system as claimed in claim 1, in which the trunkmeans comprises axis means.

3. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 1, in which thetrunk means comprises at least one axis means from which a plurality ofbranch systems branch out.

4. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 3, in which theplurality of branch systems is a pair of branch systems.

5. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 1, in which thedisplaceable load support means define at least a portion of at leastone surface contour of the main frame.

6. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 5, in which thedisplaceable load support means comprises tips normally having contourswithin a plane.

7. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 5, in which thedisplaceable load support means comprises tips normally having contoursthat are nonplanar.

8. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 5, in which thedisplaceable load support means comprise tips normally defining contours that are substantially circular with relation to said axis.

9. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 1, in which thespringy material in at least one branch provides the torsion means.

10. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 1, in which thespringy material of at least one of the branches forming the branchedlevers is comprised of torsion bushing means at said branchs divergentouter end to provide the torsion means.

11. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 1, in which atleast one branch comprising springy material and at least one branchcomprising torsion bushing means provide the torsion means.

12. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 1 comprising atleast one lever having branches of different lengths.

13. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 1 comprising atleast one lever in which the branches are of different cross sectionarea.

14. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 1 comprising atleast one lever in which the branches are of different lengths and ofdifferent cross section areas.

15. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 1 comprising atleast one lever in which the branches are made of materials havingdifferent degrees of springiness.

16. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 1 comprising aplurality of branched levers in which at least one branched lever is ofa first degree of springiness and another branched lever is of a seconddegree of springiness.

17. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 1, in which thereare a plurality of levers, comprising branches, arranged in planesalternately substantially perpendicular and substantially parallel tothe axis means.

18. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 12, in which thereare a plurality of levers, comprising branches, arranged in planesalternately substantially perpendicular and substantially parallel tothe axis means.

19. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 18, in which thelength of the branches in the lever having branches of different lengthsbear a ratio of 56.51435.

20. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 19 which comprisesa plurality of branched levers with branches of different lengths in theratio of 56.52435 in mirror relationship with each other.

21. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 1 comprising meansto inhibit the displacement of at least one branch.

22. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 21 which comprisesa main frame floor or wall, and the means to inhibit the displacement ofat least one branch comprises movable sub-frame means between said flooror wall and said branches.

23. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 22 which includesmeans to selectively position the movable sub-frame means between aposition inhibiting the displacement of at least one branch and aposition which does not inhibit the displacement of at least one branch.

24. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 22, in which thesub-frame means comprises springy means positioned to contact at leastone branch when the sub-frame means is moved toward said branch.

25. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 24, in which thespringy means comprises foam material.

26. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 1 which includessheet means covering the tips of the displaceable load support means.

27. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 26, in which thesheet means is connected to the tips of the displaceable load supportmeans forming connection points.

28. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 27, in which thepitch between the connection points of the sheet means is greater thanthe pitch between the tips of the displaceable load support means.

29. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 27 comprisinginterstice means in the sheet means between the connection points.

30. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 29, in which thesheet means forms lines of material running between adjacent connectionpoints with the interstice means formed between the lines of material.

31. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 30, whichcomprises a removable oversheet in the form of a springy cover.

32. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 31, in which thesheet connected to the tips of the displaceable load support means hasthe properties of a thin sheet of flexible material.

33. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 32, in which theoversheet has the properties of fine pore size. springy foam.

34. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 27, in which theconnection points between the tips of the displaceable load supportmeans and the sheet are provided with separable fasteners.

35. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 27, in which thetips of the displaceable load support means and the sheet means arebonded together.

36. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim l, in which thetips of the displaceable load support means in normal position form aplurality of at least three sided geometric figures in the surfacecontours and there are blocks of springy material connected to portionsof at least three tips.

37. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 1 which includestips in normal position forming four sided geometrical figures in thesurface contours, and there are substantially rectangular blocks ofspringy material connected to at least a portion of at least four ofsaid tips.

38. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 37, in which theblocks comprise a fine pore springy foam.

39. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 38, in which thereis a cover sheet of springy material removably placed over the blocks.

40. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 1, in which thedisplaceable load support means are provided with tips comprisingspringy blocks.

41. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 40 including athin cover sheet.

42. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 1, in which thetips of the displaceable load support means are provided with enlargedouter ends.

43. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 42, in which theflanged ends are circular.

44. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 42, in which theflanged ends are rectangular.

45. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 42, in which theflanged ends define a geometric figure with at least three sides.

46. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 42, including aremovable cover sheet of springy material.

47. The mechanical support system as claimed in claim 1, in which thereare a plurality of articulated support systems mounted on an articulatedbase.

48. A mechanical support system comprising a plurality of displaceableload support means, particular ones of said load support means beinginterconnected to others of said load support means by a first levertypearrangement, so as to define a grouping of load support means, saidfirst lever-type arrangement being operative upon displacement of one ofsaid load support means in a first direction to apply a force to anotherof said load support means in an opposite direction, such that thedisplaceable load support means will displace to conform to the shape ofan imposed load and provide for distribution of load supporting forces;

wherein selected groupings of interconnected load support means arefurther interconnected to other groupings of interconnected load supportmeans by a second lever-type arrangement.

49. A mechanical support system as claimed in claim 48, wherein saidload support means in said grouping are supported substantially in asame plane.

50. A mechanical support system as claimed in claim 48 furthercomprising a trunk member for supporting each of said second lever-typearrangements to maintain said plurality of load support means in saidgroupings in substantially a same plane.

51. A mechanical support system as claimed in claim 48, wherein each ofsaid first lever-type arrangement comprises at least a pair of firstbranching arms located in a first plane and interconnected at a firstfulcrum area, thereby defining a first-level system, and furthercomprising first supporting means connected at said fulcrum area forintroducing an additional resistance with increased torque when saidfirst branching arms are rotated in either direction in said firstplane.

52. A mechanical support system as claimed in claim 51, wherein selectedones of said first-level systems are interconnected by a secondlever-type arrangement, said second lever-type arrangement comprisingsaid first supporting means connected at the fulcrum areas correspondingto said interconnected first-level systems, and second lever-typearrangements comprising at least a pair of second branching arms locatedin a second plane, and interconnected at a second fulcrum area, andsecond supporting means connected at said second fulcrum area forintroducing an additional resistance with increased torque when saidsecond branching arms are rotated about said second fulcrum area ineither direction in said second plane.

53. A mechanical support system as claimed in claim 51, wherein saidfirst supporting means are connected to said first fulcrum area along atorsion bushing.

54. A mechanical support system as claimed in claim 51, wherein saidsecond supporting means are connected to said second fulcrum area alonga torsion bushing.

55. A mechanical support system as claimed in claim 52, wherein saidfirst and second fulcrum areas are located in different parallel planes.

56. A mechanical support system as claimed in claim 51, wherein saidfirst branching arms defining each first fulcrum area are of differentlengths.

57. A mechanical support system as claimed in claim 52, wherein saidfirst branching arms defining each first fulcrum area are of differentlengths and said second branching arms defining each second fulcrum areaare of different lengths.

58. A mechanical support system as claimed in claim 57, wherein saidfirst and second fulcrum areas are arranged in respective grid-likearrangements and located in different parallel planes, the branchingarms connected to each of said first and second fulcrum areas being ofdifferent lengths, the branching arms of longer length being located soas to be oriented towards the interiors of said respective grid-likearrangements. 4- i l= 4 l

